Hays principals selected as Principal of the Year

By BECKY KISER Hays Post

A short Hays City Commission meeting Thursday resulted in funding approvals for two projects.

Commissioners approved a low bid of $148,386 from Mid-America Sports Construction, Lee's Summit, Missouri, for a 50% match request from Fort Hays State University to replace the aging turf at Larks Park.

FHSU and the Hays Larks will pay the other half of the cost.&nbsp;Larks Park is owned by the city and managed by FHSU.

The turf was installed in 2012 and has a life expectancy of eight to 10 years.

Also approved by the city commission was a bid by Commercial Builders, Hays, of $1,337,700 to construct a larger hangar for the Kansas Highway Patrol at Hays Regional Airport.

KHP is acquiring a second, larger airplane with thermal imaging and mapping capabilities.

The city is responsible for building the new hangar and KHP will purchase it from the city when construction is completed. KHP will reimburse the city 100% of the construction costs and also pay the city a total of $350,155 for project services rendered. 

The new hangar building will be 85x80 feet, with dedicated office space, a conference/kitchen area and full bathroom, and employee parking.&nbsp;

A utility easement on the city-owned Braun property, 27th and Commerce Parkway, was approved for a Midwest Energy gas pipeline.&nbsp;

It will provide redundant gas service to Hays north of Interstate 70.

The commission also approved the mayor's nominations of new members to several city boards, including:

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713197505386.jpeg" alt="Aerial view of Larks Park. Courtesy City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>Aerial view of Larks Park. Courtesy City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure><div><iframe title="Larks Park to sport new turf before 2025 baseball season starts in Hays" allowtransparency="true" height="150" width="100%" style="border: none; min-width: min(100%, 430px);height:150px;" scrolling="no" data-name="pb-iframe-player" src="https://www.podbean.com/player-v2/?i=ydfxv-15e1dd4-pb&from=pb6admin&share=1&download=1&rtl=0&fonts=Arial&skin=3267a3&font-color=auto&logo_link=podcast_page&btn-skin=60a0c8&size=315" loading="lazy"></iframe></div>By BECKY KISER Hays PostA short Hays City Commission meeting Thursday resulted in funding approvals for two projects.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712327627116.png" alt="The 12-year old artificial turf at Larks Park in Hays has exceeded its lifespan and will be replaced. City of Hays photo" />
 <figcaption>The 12-year old artificial turf at Larks Park in Hays has exceeded its lifespan and will be replaced. City of Hays photo</figcaption>
 </figure>Commissioners approved a low bid of $148,386 from Mid-America Sports Construction, Lee's Summit, Missouri, for a 50% match request from Fort Hays State University to replace the aging turf at Larks Park.FHSU and the Hays Larks will pay the other half of the cost.&nbsp;Larks Park is owned by the city and managed by FHSU.The turf was installed in 2012 and has a life expectancy of eight to 10 years.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1712328127988.png" alt="City of Hays" />
 <figcaption>City of Hays</figcaption>
 </figure>Also approved by the city commission was a bid by Commercial Builders, Hays, of $1,337,700 to construct a larger hangar for the Kansas Highway Patrol at Hays Regional Airport.KHP is acquiring a second, larger airplane with thermal imaging and mapping capabilities.The city is responsible for building the new hangar and KHP will purchase it from the city when construction is completed. KHP will reimburse the city 100% of the construction costs and also pay the city a total of $350,155 for project services rendered. The new hangar building will be 85x80 feet, with dedicated office space, a conference/kitchen area and full bathroom, and employee parking.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713197243358.png" alt="New Midwest Energy six-inch pipeline will provide redundant gas service to Hays north of I-70. City of Hays&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>New Midwest Energy six-inch pipeline will provide redundant gas service to Hays north of I-70. City of Hays&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>A utility easement on the city-owned Braun property, 27th and Commerce Parkway, was approved for a Midwest Energy gas pipeline.&nbsp;It will provide redundant gas service to Hays north of Interstate 70.The commission also approved the mayor's nominations of new members to several city boards, including:<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713197004801.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

🎙Larks Park to sport new turf before 2025 baseball season starts in Hays

By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension District

I work with a great team! Actually, I work with great teams on many levels.

Locally, our Cottonwood Extension District works together to provide programming in agriculture, family and community wellness, and youth development. We look for ways to support each other’s programs in many ways from sharing resources, listening and providing feedback, and in practical ways such as helping make packets or assisting with registrations.

Across the state, I work with a great team of 4-H Youth Development agents to dive into research, plan events, and explore better ways to develop volunteers, provide community club and project resources, and support each other’s professional development.

Statewide, I am a part of a coaching team for new agents and this part of my responsibilities is extremely gratifying to see new agents grow and develop their own skills and networks. Last summer, I traveled farther than usual to judge at several county fairs because those fairs were being planned and coordinated by new agents; we all know how nice it is to see a familiar and supporting team member when things are stressful!

A few weeks ago, our family suffered a significant health event. I can’t express how heart-warming it is to know that agents in my district stepped in to manage phone calls and events while giving me space to work remotely for a bit. Additionally, agents across the state checked in to see where they could offer very practical support. 4-H families, school partners, and community members extended grace while reiterating that my priority needed to be with family for a bit.

I’ve worked in several different careers and with lots of different teams – some more supportive than others. If you work with a team that has your back, be sure to show them some appreciation. If you don’t work for a team like that, what can YOU do to set an example, to impact the work culture, to show others that you care about them beyond their 8-5 value?

Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!

Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2022/11/1668179445671.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By MICHELLE BERAN Cottonwood Extension DistrictI work with a great team! Actually, I work with great teams on many levels.Locally, our Cottonwood Extension District works together to provide programming in agriculture, family and community wellness, and youth development. We look for ways to support each other’s programs in many ways from sharing resources, listening and providing feedback, and in practical ways such as helping make packets or assisting with registrations.Across the state, I work with a great team of 4-H Youth Development agents to dive into research, plan events, and explore better ways to develop volunteers, provide community club and project resources, and support each other’s professional development.Statewide, I am a part of a coaching team for new agents and this part of my responsibilities is extremely gratifying to see new agents grow and develop their own skills and networks. Last summer, I traveled farther than usual to judge at several county fairs because those fairs were being planned and coordinated by new agents; we all know how nice it is to see a familiar and supporting team member when things are stressful!A few weeks ago, our family suffered a significant health event. I can’t express how heart-warming it is to know that agents in my district stepped in to manage phone calls and events while giving me space to work remotely for a bit. Additionally, agents across the state checked in to see where they could offer very practical support. 4-H families, school partners, and community members extended grace while reiterating that my priority needed to be with family for a bit.I’ve worked in several different careers and with lots of different teams – some more supportive than others. If you work with a team that has your back, be sure to show them some appreciation. If you don’t work for a team like that, what can YOU do to set an example, to impact the work culture, to show others that you care about them beyond their 8-5 value?Keep learning. Keep showing grace and kindness!Michelle Beran is the 4-H Youth Development Agent in the Cottonwood Extension District. For more information on this article or other 4-H Youth Development resources, email Michelle at mberan@ksu.edu or call Cottonwood Extension District – Barton Office at 620-793-1910.

BERAN: Teamwork

<a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713205066019.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure><a href="https://hayspost.com/pages/state-farm-weather-window">For a full look at the weather forecast, click here.</a>

Three-day weather outlook

FHSU, KSU ask residents to complete Need for Local Produce survey

The National Weather Service has issued a&nbsp;Hazardous Weather Outlook for portions of central Kansas, southcentral Kansas, southwest Kansas, and west central Kansas due to high winds.

Intense northwest winds are expected midday and early afternoon today, with gusts as high as 60 mph across the northwest zones.

Areas of blowing dust and difficult travel are expected.

Affected counties include Trego-Ellis-Scott-Lane-Ness-Rush-Hamilton-Kearny-Finney-Hodgeman-Pawnee-Stafford-Stanton-Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Edwards-Kiowa-Pratt-Morton-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark-Comanche-Barber.

The National Weather Service has also issued high wind warnings for&nbsp; Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark counties.

Including the cities of Hugoton, Cimarron, Ulysses, Meade, Plains City, Fowler, Ashland, Liberal, Satanta, Montezuma, Dodge City, Minneola, and Sublette.

Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected from 2 to 7 p.m. today.

Hays PostThe National Weather Service has issued a&nbsp;Hazardous Weather Outlook for portions of central Kansas, southcentral Kansas, southwest Kansas, and west central Kansas due to high winds.Intense northwest winds are expected midday and early afternoon today, with gusts as high as 60 mph across the northwest zones.Areas of blowing dust and difficult travel are expected.Affected counties include Trego-Ellis-Scott-Lane-Ness-Rush-Hamilton-Kearny-Finney-Hodgeman-Pawnee-Stafford-Stanton-Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Edwards-Kiowa-Pratt-Morton-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark-Comanche-Barber.The National Weather Service has also issued high wind warnings for&nbsp; Grant-Haskell-Gray-Ford-Stevens-Seward-Meade-Clark counties.Including the cities of Hugoton, Cimarron, Ulysses, Meade, Plains City, Fowler, Ashland, Liberal, Satanta, Montezuma, Dodge City, Minneola, and Sublette.Northwest winds 30 to 40 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are expected from 2 to 7 p.m. today.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713299004946.png" alt="National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713299106645.png" alt="National Weather Service" />
 <figcaption>National Weather Service</figcaption>
 </figure>

High wind warning issued by weather service today

By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle Communications

The Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association holds its annual mid-year meeting this week at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays.

KIOGA offers an opening hog roast and game night on Wednesday, followed on Thursday morning by registration and the trade show. The gathering includes seminars with prominent geologists, and tours of&nbsp; Hess Services and Triple Eight Equine Center, along with golf, pickle ball and sporting clays. 

Find out more at&nbsp;<a href="http://kioga.org/" target="_blank">kioga.org</a>.

<a href="http://kioga.org/" target="_blank"></a>Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained another 75 cents a barrel Friday to start the week at $76 a barrel. That's down 75 cents from a week ago, but up two dollars from the first of the month and four dollars higher than at the first of the year.

There are eight new drilling permits recorded last week statewide, with seven of those in western Kansas, including two new drilling locations in Barton County. That's 240 new permits this year, compared to 353 a year ago and 407 at this time two years ago.

Independent Oil and Gas Service reports operators completed 31 wells across the state. Eleven of those were west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County.

This week's Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is off by six percent from a week ago and down 24 percent from a year ago. There are 12 active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 17 west of Wichita, which is down three. Drilling was underway or about to begin Friday on two leases in Barton County.

The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 616 active rigs nationwide, which is down two oil rigs and one gas rig. The tally in Texas is down three for the week. New Mexico is up one.

Domestic crude production held steady in the lower-48 states, but dipped slightly in Alaska. Average U.S. output for the week through April 5th was 13,136,000 barrels per day, down 4,000 barrels per day from a week ago. The Energy Information Administration reports four-week average production rose a thousand barrels a day from the week before, and was nearly a million barrels per day higher than the same four weeks last year. The current four-week average is 13.135 million barrels per day.

The Energy Information Administration said domestic crude inventories increased nearly six million barrels to just over 457 million barrels as of April 5. Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.

Exports of petroleum products set a record last year, with propane leading the way. The Energy Information Administration reports total product exports of 6.1 million barrels per day, up 2.5% to a new all-time high.&nbsp; Propane exports rose 14% to another record, topping out at 1.6 million barrels day. Propane makes up 26% of all U.S. petroleum product exports, more than any other petroleum product. The Energy Information Administration says propane is consumed globally for space heating and is increasingly used as a petrochemical feed stock in East Asia.

Crude oil imports outpaced crude exports by nearly four million barrels per day last week. Product exports topped product imports by more than four million barrels a day. The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter by about 760-thousand barrels a day.

Crude oil imports averaged 6.4 million barrels per day last week, down slightly from the week before. Crude exports averaged 2.7 million barrels per day, down more than a million barrels a day from a week earlier.

Petroleum product imports were up 42% week-over-week at 2.3 million barrels per day. Product exports rose nearly a million barrels to 6.8 million barrels a day.

The number-three crude producing state rebounds from a cold-weather downturn, again. The latest production totals from North Dakota show a 13% increase in February. The Department of Mineral Resources reports output just under 1.25 million barrels per day, up from 1.1 million the month before. Natural gas production and gas-capture rates were each dramatically higher after a big drop in January due to cold weather and blizzards.

Lawmakers' efforts to ban all oil and gas exploration in Colorado have failed to find pay dirt, but the industry is braced for new efforts. The state's Senate Bill 159 was voted down in committee March 28. That bill called for a phased-in ban on oil and gas drilling permits within five years. The industry says that would have killed more than 181-thousand jobs, $321 billion in economic activity, and created a $48 billion hole in state and local budgets. 

Colorado is currently the nation's fourth-biggest crude oil producer. The industry claims to have reduced emissions along Colorado’s Front Range by more than 50% within the last decade, and says ongoing efforts to stymie the permitting process will do little to limit emissions.

Spiking crude prices spike the Biden administration's plan to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Department of Energy unexpectedly canceled crude purchases aimed at refilling the reserve due to surging prices. 

The Department of Energy announced in March that it was soliciting three million barrels of oil, to help refill one of the four major government storage facilities. The target price announced for the buybacks is $79 or less, more than $10 below current prices.&nbsp; The government has bought back about 32.3 million barrels since last year. 

The reserve, which held some 600 million barrels before the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, remains just over half-full, with about 363 million barrels as of April. &nbsp;

The Pentagon scolds Ukraine over recent drone attacks. The U.S. Defense Secretary told a Senate Committee this week that Ukraine would be better served taking on Russian military targets instead of refineries. Secretary Lloyd Austin is worried that recent Ukrainian drone attacks could have what he called a "knock-on effect" on energy markets. 

Ukraine recently launched a string of drone attacks aimed at reducing fuel supplies to the Russian military, and cutting the revenues funding Moscow's war effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2023/5/1684775008059.jpeg" alt="Photo by Pixabay" />
 <figcaption>Photo by Pixabay</figcaption>
 </figure>By JOHN P. TRETBAR Eagle CommunicationsThe Kansas Independent Oil &amp; Gas Association holds its annual mid-year meeting this week at the Ellis County Fairgrounds in Hays. KIOGA offers an opening hog roast and game night on Wednesday, followed on Thursday morning by registration and the trade show. The gathering includes seminars with prominent geologists, and tours of&nbsp; Hess Services and Triple Eight Equine Center, along with golf, pickle ball and sporting clays. Find out more at&nbsp;<a href="http://kioga.org/" target="_blank">kioga.org</a>.<a href="http://kioga.org/" target="_blank"></a>Kansas Common crude at CHS in McPherson gained another 75 cents a barrel Friday to start the week at $76 a barrel. That's down 75 cents from a week ago, but up two dollars from the first of the month and four dollars higher than at the first of the year.There are eight new drilling permits recorded last week statewide, with seven of those in western Kansas, including two new drilling locations in Barton County. That's 240 new permits this year, compared to 353 a year ago and 407 at this time two years ago.Independent Oil and Gas Service reports operators completed 31 wells across the state. Eleven of those were west of Wichita, including one in Barton County and one in Stafford County.This week's Kansas Rig Count from Independent Oil and Gas Service is off by six percent from a week ago and down 24 percent from a year ago. There are 12 active rigs in eastern Kansas, which is up one for the week, and 17 west of Wichita, which is down three. Drilling was underway or about to begin Friday on two leases in Barton County.The Rotary Rig Count from Baker Hughes shows 616 active rigs nationwide, which is down two oil rigs and one gas rig. The tally in Texas is down three for the week. New Mexico is up one.Domestic crude production held steady in the lower-48 states, but dipped slightly in Alaska. Average U.S. output for the week through April 5th was 13,136,000 barrels per day, down 4,000 barrels per day from a week ago. The Energy Information Administration reports four-week average production rose a thousand barrels a day from the week before, and was nearly a million barrels per day higher than the same four weeks last year. The current four-week average is 13.135 million barrels per day.The Energy Information Administration said domestic crude inventories increased nearly six million barrels to just over 457 million barrels as of April 5. Stockpiles are about two percent below the five-year average for this time of year.Exports of petroleum products set a record last year, with propane leading the way. The Energy Information Administration reports total product exports of 6.1 million barrels per day, up 2.5% to a new all-time high.&nbsp; Propane exports rose 14% to another record, topping out at 1.6 million barrels day. Propane makes up 26% of all U.S. petroleum product exports, more than any other petroleum product. The Energy Information Administration says propane is consumed globally for space heating and is increasingly used as a petrochemical feed stock in East Asia.Crude oil imports outpaced crude exports by nearly four million barrels per day last week. Product exports topped product imports by more than four million barrels a day. The U.S. is a net petroleum exporter by about 760-thousand barrels a day.Crude oil imports averaged 6.4 million barrels per day last week, down slightly from the week before. Crude exports averaged 2.7 million barrels per day, down more than a million barrels a day from a week earlier.Petroleum product imports were up 42% week-over-week at 2.3 million barrels per day. Product exports rose nearly a million barrels to 6.8 million barrels a day.The number-three crude producing state rebounds from a cold-weather downturn, again. The latest production totals from North Dakota show a 13% increase in February. The Department of Mineral Resources reports output just under 1.25 million barrels per day, up from 1.1 million the month before. Natural gas production and gas-capture rates were each dramatically higher after a big drop in January due to cold weather and blizzards.Lawmakers' efforts to ban all oil and gas exploration in Colorado have failed to find pay dirt, but the industry is braced for new efforts. The state's Senate Bill 159 was voted down in committee March 28. That bill called for a phased-in ban on oil and gas drilling permits within five years. The industry says that would have killed more than 181-thousand jobs, $321 billion in economic activity, and created a $48 billion hole in state and local budgets. Colorado is currently the nation's fourth-biggest crude oil producer. The industry claims to have reduced emissions along Colorado’s Front Range by more than 50% within the last decade, and says ongoing efforts to stymie the permitting process will do little to limit emissions.Spiking crude prices spike the Biden administration's plan to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Department of Energy unexpectedly canceled crude purchases aimed at refilling the reserve due to surging prices. The Department of Energy announced in March that it was soliciting three million barrels of oil, to help refill one of the four major government storage facilities. The target price announced for the buybacks is $79 or less, more than $10 below current prices.&nbsp; The government has bought back about 32.3 million barrels since last year. The reserve, which held some 600 million barrels before the beginning of the Ukraine invasion, remains just over half-full, with about 363 million barrels as of April. &nbsp;The Pentagon scolds Ukraine over recent drone attacks. The U.S. Defense Secretary told a Senate Committee this week that Ukraine would be better served taking on Russian military targets instead of refineries. Secretary Lloyd Austin is worried that recent Ukrainian drone attacks could have what he called a "knock-on effect" on energy markets. Ukraine recently launched a string of drone attacks aimed at reducing fuel supplies to the Russian military, and cutting the revenues funding Moscow's war effort.&nbsp;&nbsp;

News from the Oil Patch: KIOGA mid-year meeting comes to Hays

RUSSELL COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Russell County.

The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David R. Woods, 73, Rush Center, was southbound on 192nd Street approaching Walters Road.

The driver lost control of the motorcycle while trying to negotiate the curve westbound. The motorcycle came to rest in the west ditch. EMS transported Woods to Russell Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet but was wearing eye protection at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

RUSSELL COUNTY— One person was injured in an accident just before 4:30p.m. Sunday in Russell County.The Kansas Highway Patrol reported a 2014 Harley Davidson motorcycle driven by David R. Woods, 73, Rush Center, was southbound on 192nd Street approaching Walters Road.The driver lost control of the motorcycle while trying to negotiate the curve westbound. The motorcycle came to rest in the west ditch. EMS transported Woods to Russell Regional Medical Center. He was not wearing a helmet but was wearing eye protection at the time of the accident, according to the KHP.

Kansas man hospitalized after motorcycle accident

By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post&nbsp;

Emily Stenzel chooses to look at the big picture.&nbsp;

Sure, the Hays teenager could focus on a rare genetic health condition that affects her life on an everyday basis. However, she prefers to turn a negative into a positive.&nbsp;

Helping in that effort was finding a passion for photography – especially sports photography.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After being forced to give up playing sports in middle school because of health reasons, Stenzel bought a kit camera and shot her first sporting event, a middle school basketball game, when she was in the eighth grade.&nbsp;

“I always enjoyed creativity and art,” Stenzel said. “That’s where it all started.”&nbsp;

Stenzel was diagnosed at an early age with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic disorder that has fewer than 200,000 cases in the United States in any given year.&nbsp;

EDS can affect the connective tissue in the body. Stenzel has had two shoulder surgeries and two hip surgeries to lessen the chance of dislocations.&nbsp;

“I experience flareups sometimes,” Stenzel said. “The condition affects my joints.” 

Her health issues haven’t slowed Stenzel.&nbsp;

Now a senior at Hays High School, Stenzel has shot thousands upon thousands of images at all kinds of sporting events, from Hays High to Fort Hays State University to the Hays Larks. She has branched out to shoot senior portraits for high school students and schedules photo sessions for families.&nbsp;

In the fall, Stenzel plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in biochemistry before attending medical school. She wants to become a doctor and hopes to set up a practice in Hays centered on rheumatological disorders.&nbsp;&nbsp;

While at KU, Stenzel hopes to be able to shoot Jayhawk sporting events and would like to shoot the Kansas City Royals and KC Chiefs, too.&nbsp;

“I love taking sports photos,” Stenzel said. “There’s so much emotion in them. I’m sad I’m not able to play (sports), but taking photos allows me to be a part of that.”&nbsp;

A big Chiefs fan, Stenzel said her favorite sport to shoot is football.&nbsp;

“I love football season,” Stenzel said. “Being on the sideline, there’s no way to describe it. It’s such an amazing experience. All the emotion in football, I just love it.”&nbsp;

&nbsp;She typically takes at least 1,000 photos at a sporting event and then edits about 100 of them, which takes several hours.&nbsp;

Stenzel’s time taking photos at games can take a lot out of her, but she carefully monitors her shooting schedule.&nbsp;

“Taking photos is a lot more physically demanding than people might think,” she said. “There is a lot of standing for long hours, walking around.”&nbsp;

Stenzel has learned her craft since that first day shooting that middle school basketball game with a kit camera. She now uses a Canon EOS R6 to take photos and is looking at buying another camera body and an expensive lens.&nbsp;&nbsp;

She credits Mike Garza, who shoots photos for MaxPreps based out of Goddard, as someone who helped her learn the art of photography. Stenzel saw his work and contacted him, asking question after question.&nbsp;

“He has been the best mentor I could ever ask for,” Stenzel said. “He taught me everything I know about a camera.”&nbsp;

Stenzel, who won an Ellis County entrepreneurship challenge her sophomore year, won’t let her medical issues deter her from chasing her dreams.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Her faith has played a role, Stenzel added.&nbsp;

“I told myself from a very young age I would never make my medical journey an excuse to not strive for the success I want to have,” Stenzel said. “I would use it as something that motivates me more to get to where I want to go.”&nbsp;

“I think I have developed a lot of strength from it,” she added. “I wouldn’t be where I am without God. I just know no matter what I go through, it’s always for a reason.”&nbsp;

For Stenzel, that reason is having a rare genetic disorder that makes her want to become a doctor and help others with similar conditions.&nbsp;

Stenzel has advice for someone else who has a burning desire but is unsure how to fuel it.&nbsp;

“There’s never going to be a perfect time to start something you have a passion for,” Stenzel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Make sure you surround yourself with people who are willing to uplift you and support you throughout the journey.”&nbsp;

“At the end of the day, it comes down to you,” she added. “If you really want to do it, just start. At the end of the day, you are able to make your dreams come true."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713057674646.jpeg" alt="Hays High School senior Emily Stenzel says that sports photography will always be a part of her life. Photo by Randy Gonzales, Special to Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Hays High School senior Emily Stenzel says that sports photography will always be a part of her life. Photo by Randy Gonzales, Special to Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure><figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713197061874.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>By RANDY GONZALES Special to Hays Post&nbsp;Emily Stenzel chooses to look at the big picture.&nbsp;Sure, the Hays teenager could focus on a rare genetic health condition that affects her life on an everyday basis. However, she prefers to turn a negative into a positive.&nbsp;Helping in that effort was finding a passion for photography – especially sports photography.&nbsp;&nbsp;After being forced to give up playing sports in middle school because of health reasons, Stenzel bought a kit camera and shot her first sporting event, a middle school basketball game, when she was in the eighth grade.&nbsp;“I always enjoyed creativity and art,” Stenzel said. “That’s where it all started.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713057778924.jpeg" alt="Of course, Stenzel had one of her own senior portraits taken with her camera in hand. Photo courtesy of Pam Weaver Photography&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Of course, Stenzel had one of her own senior portraits taken with her camera in hand. Photo courtesy of Pam Weaver Photography&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Stenzel was diagnosed at an early age with Ehlers Danlos Syndrome (EDS), a rare genetic disorder that has fewer than 200,000 cases in the United States in any given year.&nbsp;EDS can affect the connective tissue in the body. Stenzel has had two shoulder surgeries and two hip surgeries to lessen the chance of dislocations.&nbsp;“I experience flareups sometimes,” Stenzel said. “The condition affects my joints.” Her health issues haven’t slowed Stenzel.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713057831560.jpeg" alt="One of Stenzel’s fortes is capturing interesting action shots such as this one that shows the hands of Hays High junior Katie Linenberger and her opponent in the same position as Linenberger goes up for a shot. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>One of Stenzel’s fortes is capturing interesting action shots such as this one that shows the hands of Hays High junior Katie Linenberger and her opponent in the same position as Linenberger goes up for a shot. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Now a senior at Hays High School, Stenzel has shot thousands upon thousands of images at all kinds of sporting events, from Hays High to Fort Hays State University to the Hays Larks. She has branched out to shoot senior portraits for high school students and schedules photo sessions for families.&nbsp;In the fall, Stenzel plans to attend the University of Kansas and major in biochemistry before attending medical school. She wants to become a doctor and hopes to set up a practice in Hays centered on rheumatological disorders.&nbsp;&nbsp;While at KU, Stenzel hopes to be able to shoot Jayhawk sporting events and would like to shoot the Kansas City Royals and KC Chiefs, too.&nbsp;“I love taking sports photos,” Stenzel said. “There’s so much emotion in them. I’m sad I’m not able to play (sports), but taking photos allows me to be a part of that.”&nbsp;A big Chiefs fan, Stenzel said her favorite sport to shoot is football.&nbsp;“I love football season,” Stenzel said. “Being on the sideline, there’s no way to describe it. It’s such an amazing experience. All the emotion in football, I just love it.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713057866896.jpeg" alt="Stenzel catches Fort Hays State tight end Cale Cormaney making the perfect catch during a Tiger game last fall. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stenzel catches Fort Hays State tight end Cale Cormaney making the perfect catch during a Tiger game last fall. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>&nbsp;She typically takes at least 1,000 photos at a sporting event and then edits about 100 of them, which takes several hours.&nbsp;Stenzel’s time taking photos at games can take a lot out of her, but she carefully monitors her shooting schedule.&nbsp;“Taking photos is a lot more physically demanding than people might think,” she said. “There is a lot of standing for long hours, walking around.”&nbsp;Stenzel has learned her craft since that first day shooting that middle school basketball game with a kit camera. She now uses a Canon EOS R6 to take photos and is looking at buying another camera body and an expensive lens.&nbsp;&nbsp;She credits Mike Garza, who shoots photos for MaxPreps based out of Goddard, as someone who helped her learn the art of photography. Stenzel saw his work and contacted him, asking question after question.&nbsp;“He has been the best mentor I could ever ask for,” Stenzel said. “He taught me everything I know about a camera.”&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713057907660.jpeg" alt="Stenzel works to get the perfect sunset photo as seen in this senior portrait session with Hays High’s Aubree Thomas. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stenzel works to get the perfect sunset photo as seen in this senior portrait session with Hays High’s Aubree Thomas. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>Stenzel, who won an Ellis County entrepreneurship challenge her sophomore year, won’t let her medical issues deter her from chasing her dreams.&nbsp;&nbsp;Her faith has played a role, Stenzel added.&nbsp;“I told myself from a very young age I would never make my medical journey an excuse to not strive for the success I want to have,” Stenzel said. “I would use it as something that motivates me more to get to where I want to go.”&nbsp;“I think I have developed a lot of strength from it,” she added. “I wouldn’t be where I am without God. I just know no matter what I go through, it’s always for a reason.”&nbsp;For Stenzel, that reason is having a rare genetic disorder that makes her want to become a doctor and help others with similar conditions.&nbsp;Stenzel has advice for someone else who has a burning desire but is unsure how to fuel it.&nbsp;<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713057955776.jpeg" alt="Stenzel enjoys shooting family portraits, including this photo session with Hays residents Talon and Jessie Rice and their daughter, Emersyn. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stenzel enjoys shooting family portraits, including this photo session with Hays residents Talon and Jessie Rice and their daughter, Emersyn. Photo courtesy of Emily Stenzel/Stenzel Film&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>“There’s never going to be a perfect time to start something you have a passion for,” Stenzel said.&nbsp;&nbsp;“Make sure you surround yourself with people who are willing to uplift you and support you throughout the journey.”&nbsp;“At the end of the day, it comes down to you,” she added. “If you really want to do it, just start. At the end of the day, you are able to make your dreams come true."<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713058017863.jpeg" alt="Stenzel crouches to get a good angle during a photo session of Hays High senior Lakyn Zimmerman. Courtesy photo&nbsp;" />
 <figcaption>Stenzel crouches to get a good angle during a photo session of Hays High senior Lakyn Zimmerman. Courtesy photo&nbsp;</figcaption>
 </figure>

Nwester: Looking through positive lens of life

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays Post

Northwest Kansas is forecast to have wind gusts of up to 50 mph today with blowing dust and high fire danger.

Scattered thunderstorms are expected Monday evening and Monday night. Some storms are expected to be severe, producing large hail and damaging winds. Some tornadoes are possible east of U.S. 283 after 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.

Intense northwest winds are expected Tuesday, with gusts of 50-60
mph, strongest on the higher terrain of the western counties,
along and west of U.S. Highway 83. Areas of blowing dust are expected, according to the weather service.

The weather service advises not to burn today.

The line and timing of the storm are still uncertain.

See tornado preparation tips from the weather service below.

By CRISTINA JANNEY Hays PostNorthwest Kansas is forecast to have wind gusts of up to 50 mph today with blowing dust and high fire danger.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713195258379.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>Scattered thunderstorms are expected Monday evening and Monday night. Some storms are expected to be severe, producing large hail and damaging winds. Some tornadoes are possible east of U.S. 283 after 7 p.m., according to the National Weather Service.Intense northwest winds are expected Tuesday, with gusts of 50-60
mph, strongest on the higher terrain of the western counties,
along and west of U.S. Highway 83. Areas of blowing dust are expected, according to the weather service.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713194958352.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>The weather service advises not to burn today.The line and timing of the storm are still uncertain.See tornado preparation tips from the weather service below.<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713195108678.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>

Dust, fire danger today; severe thunderstorms forecast for tonight

The Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 322&nbsp; incidents April 7-13, 2024, according to the activity report.

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 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2020/9/1600444921352.jpeg" alt="" />
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 </figure>ECSOThe Ellis County Sheriff's Office responded to 322&nbsp; incidents April 7-13, 2024, according to the activity report.<figure>
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Ellis County Sheriff activity log, April 7-13, 2024

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Don Burlison of Palco!

He heard the code word on 99.5 KZ Country

Listen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.&nbsp;

Congrats to today's Cash Grab Winner, Don Burlison of Palco!He heard the code word on 99.5 KZ CountryListen in at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. of 3 p.m. on 96.9 KFIX, 103.3 KJLS, 101.9 The Bull, 99.5 KZ Country, or 94.3 KAYS Monday through Friday during the month of April for your chance to win.&nbsp;<div><div data-ss-embed="promotion" data-opguid="e1ea4cb2-9620-4c74-ac8f-f273ced42be9" data-routing="hash" data-script="woeegm"></div>
<script defer src="https://embed-1036380.secondstreetapp.com/Scripts/dist/embed.js" data-ss-script="woeegm">/**/</script></div>

Monday's Cash Grab winner is....

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/2/1708970452306.jpeg" alt="Ellis County Jail. File photo/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Ellis County Jail. File photo/Hays Post</figcaption>
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Ellis County Jail bookings, April 4-15, 2024

Senate Highlights – Weekly overview&nbsp;

This week was the last week of legislative activity before VETO session.&nbsp; Early Saturday morning, the Senate gaveled out for adjournment and will reconvene on April 25th.&nbsp; When we return, the legislature will consider any items the governor has vetoed and complete its work on the budget and any other remaining bills.&nbsp; The wrap-up period is expected to not last long, but work remains on a few topics.&nbsp;

Senate Floor Action Conference Committee process

The Senate voted on numerous conference committee reports and also debated bills on the Senate Floor.&nbsp; A conference committee is a small, bipartisan, and bicameral committee that works to smooth out the differences between the House and Senate’s version of a similar bill.&nbsp; Once the conference committee reaches a compromise, the negotiated bill is sent to both the House and Senate for a final vote before advancing to the governor’s desk.&nbsp; Within ten days after passage, a bill must be signed by the presiding officers of each chamber, the chief clerk of the House and the secretary of the Senate, and be presented to the governor for approval.&nbsp; The governor has ten days after receipt of the bill to act on it.&nbsp; If the governor does not act on it during the ten-day period, the bill automatically becomes law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Most bills passed by the Legislature are approved by the governor.&nbsp; However, the governor may veto a bill by refusing to sign it and returning it to the chamber in which the bill originated, together with a statement of the reasons for the veto.&nbsp; In appropriation bills only, the governor may veto some items (line-item) and approve the others by signing the bill.&nbsp; However, should the governor veto a bill, the Legislature, by a two-thirds vote in both chambers, may override (overturn) the governor's veto and the bill will be enacted into law without the governor’s signature.&nbsp; Once the bill becomes a law, whether by the governor’s approval or a legislative override, it is filed with the Secretary of State.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2036/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for HB 2036</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;would make various changes to income, sales, and property tax law. Specifically, the bill would:&nbsp;

Sub Bill for HB 2036 passed with bipartisan support in both chambers, with a vote of 24-9 in the Senate and 119-0 in the House, it is now headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb28/" target="_blank">SB 28</a>&nbsp;as recommended by the Conference Committee on House Appropriations and Senate Ways and Means, contains supplemental funding in FY 2024, funding for most state agencies for FY 2025, and selected adjustments for FY 2026 through FY 2028. &nbsp;SB 28 passed 26-12; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

Expenditures for the Kansas State Department of Education reflect expenditures in SB 387, as recommended by the Conference Committee on House K12 Education Budget and Senate Education, which will be finalized when the Legislature returns for the wrap-up session. For the purposes of this report, expenditures related to the Kansas State Schools for the Blind and Deaf, State Historical Society, and State Library are included within the higher education function of government.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2124/" target="_blank">S Sub for HB 2124</a>&nbsp;would amend law pertaining to microbreweries. The bill would permit microbreweries to self-distribute beer and hard cider up to certain limits, lowers the number of barrels per year a microbrewery may manufacture and store, and requires a study and report on licensed microbrewery compliance with state laws and rules and regulations regarding the collection and remittance of alcoholic liquor enforcement and gallonage taxes. &nbsp;S Sub for HB 2124 passed 37-2 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb115/" target="_blank">SB 115</a>&nbsp;would enact the Child Advocate Act (Act) which would establish the Office of the Child Advocate (OCA) as an independent state agency. The bill would also amend law in the Revised Kansas Code for Care of Children (CINC Code) and the Revised Kansas Juvenile Justice Code (Juvenile Code) to specify the OCA would have access to certain files and records of a child subject to proceedings under these Codes.&nbsp;SB 115 passed 36-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2562/" target="_blank">HB 2562</a>&nbsp;would create the Protect Vulnerable Adults from Financial Exploitation Act and make amendments to the Kansas Uniform Securities Act (KUSA) relating to reporting of instances of suspected financial exploitation, grounds for discipline, and civil and administrative immunity. It creates the Kansas Contract for Deed Act and authorizes the Kansas Real Estate Commission to issue cease-and-desist orders when the Commission has determined a person is practicing without a valid broker’s or salesperson’s license and makes any restrictive covenant on real property in violation of the Kansas Acts Against Discrimination (KAAD).&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2562 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb271/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 271</a>&nbsp;would prohibit government agencies from purchasing or acquiring drones whose critical components were produced in a country of concern, or whose critical components were produced or owned by a foreign principal.&nbsp; The bill would also prohibit state agencies from entering into a contract or agreement to procure final or finished goods or services from certain foreign principal.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sub Bill for SB 271 passed 21-12; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2105/" target="_blank">HB 2105</a>&nbsp;would prohibit postsecondary institutions from taking certain actions concerning diversity, equity, or inclusion (DEI).&nbsp;HB 2105 passed 28-11; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2465/" target="_blank">HB 2465</a>, which would enact the Adoption Savings Account Act that would establish modifications to the Kansas adjusted gross income of an individual for contributions to an adoption savings account and amend the adoption tax credit.&nbsp; It would also enact the Pregnancy Resource Act which would provide a tax credit for certain contributions to certain pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities and enact a sales tax exemption for pregnancy resource centers and residential maternity facilities.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2465 passed 29-10; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2096/" target="_blank">HB 2096</a>&nbsp;would enact the Veterans’ Valor Property Tax Relief Act and would make changes to the Homeowners’ Property Tax Freeze Program, create property tax exemptions for certain businesses subject to government competition and certain personal property, limit transactions that can be considered valid sales for property tax purposes, and modify law related to property valuation notices and appeals.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2096 passed 23-14.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb458/" target="_blank">SB 458</a>&nbsp;amends several provisions of the Kansas Standard Asset Seizure and Forfeiture Act.&nbsp; It&nbsp; specifies that certain drug offenses do not give rise to forfeiture under the Kansas standard asset seizure and forfeiture act, requiring courts to make a&nbsp;finding that forfeiture is not excessive, restricting actions prior to commencement of forfeiture proceedings, requiring probable cause affidavit filing and review to commence proceedings, increasing the burden of proof required to forfeit property to clear and convincing evidence and authorizing courts to order payment of attorney fees and costs for certain claimants.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 458 passed the Senate 35-0.&nbsp; Having also passed the House, it now heads to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2144/" target="_blank">HB 2144</a>&nbsp;would establish the crime of organized retail crime in the Kansas Criminal Code, make organized retail crime a type of “racketeering activity” under the Kansas Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization (RICO) Act and amend law concerning Attorney General authority to prosecute crimes concurrently with county or district attorneys. The bill would also create the crime of encouraging suicide and establish penalties for it under the Kansas Criminal Code.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2144 passed 32-4; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb462/" target="_blank">SB 462</a>&nbsp;would grant certain authority to the Director of Vehicles of the Division of Vehicles, Kansas Department of Revenue (KDOR), regarding the Military Even Exchange Program for commercial driver’s licenses and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Program.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 462 passed 38-1; having already passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/scr1620/" target="_blank">SCR 1620</a>&nbsp; would approve the creation of a port authority, as provided for in continuing law, by the Unified Government of Wyandotte County and Kansas City, Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;SCR 1620 passed 32-6.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sr1750/" target="_blank">SR 1750</a>&nbsp;would approve an amendment to the gaming compact between the Iowa Tribe of Kansas and Nebraska and the State of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;SR 1750 passed 29-6.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2498/" target="_blank">HB 2498</a>&nbsp;would increase transfers from the State Highway Fund to the Public Use General Aviation Airport Development Fund from $5.0 million to $15.0 million annually starting July 1, 2024. Continuing law authorizes the Secretary of Transportation to use the Aviation Fund to provide grants to public use general aviation airports for planning, constructing, reconstructing, or rehabilitating facilities. The bill would also increase the minimum amount that must be expended from the Aviation Fund for such grants from $5.0 million to $15.0 million annually.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2498 passed 34-5 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2481/" target="_blank">HB 2481</a>&nbsp;would make various commemorative designations related to transportation, including naming several roads and bridges in honor of deceased service members from Kansas. It would designate a portion of US-81 as The Merle Miller Memorial Highway in Republic County and would also designate as the First Responders Memorial Highway the portion of US-281 from the southern city limits of Russell north to its junction with K-18 in Russell County both in Senate District #36.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2481 passed 39-0 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor. I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2527/" target="_blank">HB 2527</a>&nbsp;would establish new mechanisms for the recovery of costs associated with deferred depreciation and new gas-fired generating units; add and amend law regarding electric public utilities, nuclear-powered and coal-fired electric generating facilities, and the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC); and amend the Net Metering and Easy Connection Act to further develop regulation and expand capacity for investor-owned utilities to connect customers’ renewable energy generation systems to the electric grid.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2527 passed 33-2 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2588/" target="_blank">HB 2588</a>&nbsp;would create certain rights and establish limitations on the use of county public right-of-way by telecommunication, broadband, and video service providers. The bill’s provision would resemble existing non-discrimination and neutrality provisions for the use of city public right-of-way.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2588 passed 26-7 and also passed the House; it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb359/" target="_blank">SB 359</a>&nbsp;would authorize issuance of seven license plates on and after January 1, 2025, and require the county of registration to be displayed on license plates approved for production and issuance on and after July 1, 2024.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 359 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2787/" target="_blank">HB 2787</a>&nbsp;would amend law relating to the Kansas Insurance Guaranty Association (KIGA).&nbsp; The bill would also make technical changes.&nbsp; The bill would be in effect upon publication in the Kansas Register.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2787 passed 39-0; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2560/" target="_blank">HB 2560</a>&nbsp;would amend the State Banking Code and provisions pertaining to trust companies to address the abandonment or expiration of certain applications and allow an originating trustee to have its principal place of business outside of Kansas.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2560 passed 34-5; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2711/" target="_blank">HB 2711</a>&nbsp;would create the Countries of Concern Divestment Act, which would require state-managed funds’ divestment from investments with countries of concern and prohibit investments and deposits with a bank or company domiciled in a country of concern and indemnify state-managed funds with respect to actions taken in compliance with the Act; amend the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS) working after-retirement provisions and increase the lump-sum death benefit for a KPERS retiree; and amend law governing the KPERS Trust Fund and investment standards to increase a statutory limitation (“cap”) on alternative investments, from 15.0 percent to 25.0 percent, placed on the KPERS Board of Trustees.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2711 passed 30-8; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2532/" target="_blank">HB 2532&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;would amend the Kansas Parimutuel Racing Act to credit tax revenue generated from wagers on historical horse races to the Kansas Horse Breeding Development Fund and the Horse Fair Racing Benefit Fund. One-third of the tax revenue generated from wagers on historical horse races would be credited to the Kansas Horse Breeding Development Fund and two-thirds would be credited to the Horse Fair Racing Benefit Fund.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2532 passed 34-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb18/" target="_blank">SB 18</a>&nbsp;would create the Kansas Campus Restoration Act authorizing the State Board of Regents to adopt rules and regulations relating to deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities at postsecondary institutions. The bill would allow transfers from the State General Fund (SGF) to the Kansas Campus Restoration Fund (Fund) and require annual reports be submitted to the Legislature.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 18 passed 32-7; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb384/" target="_blank">SB 384</a>&nbsp;would create the Riley County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act and the Crawford County Unincorporated Area Nuisance Abatement Act and would amend statutes pertaining to the Emergency Medical Services Board.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 384 passed 33-5; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb356/" target="_blank">SB 356</a>&nbsp;would amend existing law to establish a tiered-fee structure for financial examinations of insurance companies and societies based on the gross premiums received by such entities. The bill would also establish that certain examination costs be “average and reasonable.”&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 356 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb73/" target="_blank">H Sub for SB 73</a>&nbsp;would amend certain enrollment determination criteria in the Kansas School Equity and Enhancement Act (KSEEA) to require school district enrollment be determined using the current or preceding school year. The bill would also authorize an additional enrollment count determination for school year 2024-2025 only, to allow school districts to consider the arithmetic mean of the sum of the number of students enrolled in the preceding school year and second preceding school year. &nbsp;H Sub for SB 73 passed 35-4; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2614/" target="_blank">HB 2614</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions of election law and the Campaign Finance Act concerning advance voting ballot envelopes, the delivery of advance voting ballot, and corrupt political advertising. The provisions of the bill would be effective on January 1, 2025.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2614 passed 26-13; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2618/" target="_blank">HB 2618</a>&nbsp;would amend provisions of election law regarding the Transparency in Revenues Underwriting Elections Act and the crime of false representation of an election official. The bill would be in effect upon publication in the Kansas Register.&nbsp; HB 2618 passed 26-13; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2570/" target="_blank">Sub HB 2570</a>&nbsp;would make various amendments to law related to unemployment compensation.&nbsp; Sub HB 2570 passed 38-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2547/" target="_blank">HB 2547</a>&nbsp;would amend the state Uniform Controlled Substances Act and amend the law regarding the stock, maintenance, and administration of emergency medication kits in schools, including epinephrine and albuterol. The bill would amend the liability protections for any person who renders emergency care or treatment at a school, school-sponsored event, or school property as well as provide a level of immunity from liability for a pharmacist, physician, or a mid-level practitioner who distributes or prescribes emergency medications to a school or provides training on the administration of the emergency medicine for school personnel and for the school personnel who administer the medications under specific circumstances.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2547 passed 35-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor. I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2501/" target="_blank">HB 2501</a>&nbsp;would require a railroad to maintain a minimum distance of 250 feet between a near-edge railroad crossing and railroad rolling stock stored on sidings if the railroad crossing does not have electronic warning signals. The bill would authorize the Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT) to determine a greater or lesser distance at a particular location and permit or order a railroad to maintain the greater or lesser distance.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2501 passed 36-0; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb438/" target="_blank">SB 438</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas Blueprint for Literacy, create the Literacy Advisory Committee, create the position of Director of Literacy within the State Board of Regents, define the powers and duties of the Advisory Committee, and make appropriations to State Board of Regents; establish a required report from the State Department of Education regarding student statewide assessment scores and postsecondary achievement; modify the Accelerating Opportunity: Kansas career pathways assistance benefit; and make various changes to the Kansas Education Opportunity Scholarship, Kansas Hero’s Scholarship, and Kansas Nursing Service Scholarship, administered by the State Board of Regents.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 438 passed 34-3; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb410/" target="_blank">SB 410</a>&nbsp;would amend law related to income tax, property tax, and sales tax. It makes changes to the SALT Parity Act.&nbsp; The bill would modify the revenue neutral rate notification and hearing process for property tax notices, make changes to property tax exemptions for certain electric generation property, codify property valuation adjustments related to adverse influences affecting agricultural land, specify land classification related to agritourism, make changes related to filing statements for personal property and certain property appeal procedures, and authorize the use of teleconferencing for certain State Board of Tax Appeals proceedings. The bill would authorize elections to be held for additional sales tax authority for Marshall, Neosho, and Rawlins counties.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 410 passed 34-2; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp; I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb143/" target="_blank">Sub Bill for SB 143</a>&nbsp;would make various changes to the Elevator Safety Act.&nbsp;&nbsp;Sub Bill for SB 143 passed 36-1; having passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2176/" target="_blank">HB 2176</a>&nbsp; would create the Arkansas City Area Public Library District Act and the Udall Area Public Library District Act. These acts would be identical except for references to the cities of Arkansas City and Udall and references to USD 470 (Arkansas City) and USD 463 (Udall). The bill would also make conforming amendments to a statute defining “local public libraries.” The bill would also create the Dwayne Peaslee Technical Training Center District Act if Douglas County voters approve.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2176 passed 32-5.&nbsp;&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb333/" target="_blank">SB 333</a>&nbsp;would extend the sunset date to July 1, 2029, for the State Use Law Committee, which is organized within the Department of Administration.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 333 passed 36-1. I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb19/" target="_blank">SB 19</a>&nbsp;would establish the Kansas National Guard Education Master’s for Enhanced Readiness and Global Excellence (EMERGE) Program to provide financial assistance to Kansas National Guard members pursuing master’s degrees at a Kansas educational institution and require school districts to adopt cardiac emergency response plans based on the statewide standards developed by the Secretary of Health and Environment.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 19 passed 26-2; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor. I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2760/" target="_blank">HB 2760</a>&nbsp;would abolish the Kansas Commission on Veterans Affairs Office, create the Kansas Office of Veterans Services, and make other changes relating to the transfer of powers, duties, and functions of KCVAO to KOVS; update and clarify certain military definitions. The bill would also update the Veterans Claims Assistance Program to include references to the federal Department of Veterans Affairs medical centers and cross accreditation requirements.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2760 passed 37-0.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/hb2098/" target="_blank">HB 2098</a>&nbsp;would create a sales tax deduction for certain motor vehicle transactions, provide for manufacturer’s coupons to be excluded from sales price for sales tax purposes, and create several sales tax exemptions including custom meat processing.&nbsp;&nbsp;HB 2098 passed 34-1; having also passed the House, it is now headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb473/" target="_blank">SB 473</a>&nbsp;would amend the Kansas Code of Criminal Procedure to allow a notice to appear (NTA) to serve as a valid complaint and would amend law related to appearance bonds made in district courts.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 473 concurred with amendments in conference, 23-10.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb292/" target="_blank">SB 292</a>&nbsp;would create law to authorize the appointment of a State Judge Advocate by the Adjutant General; create and amend law related to death and disability benefits provided to Kansas Air and Army National Guard members; and amend law throughout Chapter 48 of the Kansas Statutes Annotated to modernize statutory language, remove outdated statutes, and remove references to trial by court-martial. &nbsp;SB 292 passed 37-0; having also passed the House, it is headed to the governor.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/li/b2023_24/measures/sb349/" target="_blank">SB 349</a>&nbsp;would continue in existence the following exceptions to the Kansas Open Records Act (KORA) to include fingerprinting and criminal history record checks under the Industrial Hemp Act, certain carriers of alcoholic liquors under the Kansas Liquor Control Act, and information in the Scrap Metal Theft Reduction Act database.&nbsp; The bill would also amend the exception found in information contained in a Secretary of Commerce report to House and Senate Commerce Committees that would be detrimental to the development of a STAR bond project or economic development incentive program. The bill would make such reports open for inspection two years after their submission to the Legislature.&nbsp;&nbsp;SB 349 passed 35-0.&nbsp;I voted yes.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Full texts of the bills and supplemental notes as well as the Final Action vote on these measures can be found at&nbsp;<a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>.&nbsp;&nbsp;

SEARCH FOR UNCLAIMED PROPERTY -&nbsp;Kansas Unclaimed Property Quick Link&nbsp;

Type in or click this link for the instant search entry form-<a href="https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php" target="_blank">https://kansascash.ks.gov/up_search.php</a>&nbsp;

Please email me at&nbsp;<a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a>&nbsp;or call 785 243-3325 at my office in Concordia with questions or concerns during the break.&nbsp;

Thank you for the honor of serving you!&nbsp;

Senator Elaine Bowers&nbsp; Kansas State Capitol Building&nbsp; Room 223-E&nbsp; 300 SW 10th St.&nbsp; Topeka, KS 66612&nbsp; <a href="mailto:elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov" target="_blank">elaine.bowers@senate.ks.gov</a> 785-296-7389&nbsp; <a href="https://elainebowers.com/" target="_blank">https://elainebowers.com/</a> <a href="http://www.kslegislature.org/" target="_blank">www.kslegislature.org</a>

SENATE SCENE Week 13, 1st adjournment before veto session

"It was an interesting session," Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 109th District, said at Saturday's final legislative coffee presented by the Chamber in Hays.&nbsp;

"It was one that brought with it some hope, some challenges, and now we move on," he said.

Kansas legislators will move on April 26 when they return to the Topeka statehouse for the veto session.

Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/589ba027-ccef-43bc-ad63-ec2c87a67e4b">veto pen</a> yielded red ink Friday to several bills passed by legislators, including a proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a measure to require more reporting from abortion providers and what she called a “vague” bill making it a crime to coerce someone into having an abortion.

Rahjes was not surprised by Kelly's veto of the three medical-related bills.&nbsp;

"It's not the first time she has vetoed something similar, and they're likely to come up again," Rahjes said.

Kelly also vetoed a bill allowing sugaring hair removal performed by a non-licensed cosmetician or aesthetician. Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, championed the change on behalf of a young Hays mother.&nbsp;

Rahjes and Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th District, are both unsure how the governor will handle the tax plan.

The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c44fe8f3-48b8-46cb-8906-f3bcd11e352d">original tax plan</a>, based on a single rate and passed early in the session by both the House and Senate, was vetoed by the governor, who called it "reckless."

After weeks of reworking and a compromise vote in the early morning of Saturday, April 6, the Legislature sent the governor a two-rate income tax package.&nbsp;

"It passed, but we don't know what the governor will do," Rahjes said to the crowd at the Hays Public Library.

The 2025 budget, passed by the Legislature, is $25.1 billion.&nbsp;

"We have a projected ending balance of almost $3 billion," said Billinger. "We have about $1.8 billion in the rainy day fund, and our budget came in about $700 million to $800 million under the governor's recommendation."

Billinger said the budget includes funding for higher education, the j<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/81556ec8-078b-4239-8e6f-d43dd953ddf7">udicial system</a>, which was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/88ab6216-217f-4a3b-b1dc-1065c5afe391">hacked by cyber terrorists</a> last fall, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;

Gov. Kelly has been heavily campaigning to expand Medicaid in Kansas, one of 10 states that has yet to do so.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/87dfa1c2-653b-462f-9be2-07f13b029fed">Kelly met with local officials and staff at HaysMed </a>on Thursday to hear the hospital's concerns about Medicaid.

<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cb92c55b-9974-4932-8f0a-eb9dfee535e4">Senate hearings </a>on Medicaid expansion were conducted for the first time in four years on March 20, but Republican lawmakers brought them to a halt one day later.&nbsp;

Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins have characterized it as a way to “expand the welfare state.”

However, Medicaid was still addressed in the budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Medicaid reimbursements to our [rural] hospitals, our doctors and our nursing homes have been increased," Billinger said.

"Hopefully, this will also allow us to draw down some more federal dollars."

Rajesh said, "This is for hospitals that are not HaysMed because HaysMed is a different level than the other county-owned, critical care access hospitals I represent."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713104813689.jpeg" alt="Sarah Wasinger, Chamber in Hays CEO/President, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, at Saturday's legislative coffee in the Hays Public Library. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post" />
 <figcaption>Sarah Wasinger, Chamber in Hays CEO/President, Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, and Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, at Saturday's legislative coffee in the Hays Public Library. Photo by Becky Kiser/Hays Post</figcaption>
 </figure>By BECKY KISER Hays Post"It was an interesting session," Rep. Ken Rahjes, R-Agra, 109th District, said at Saturday's final legislative coffee presented by the Chamber in Hays.&nbsp;"It was one that brought with it some hope, some challenges, and now we move on," he said.Kansas legislators will move on April 26 when they return to the Topeka statehouse for the veto session.<h2>VETOED BY THE GOVERNOR</h2>Democratic Kansas Governor Laura Kelly's <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/589ba027-ccef-43bc-ad63-ec2c87a67e4b">veto pen</a> yielded red ink Friday to several bills passed by legislators, including a proposed ban on gender-affirming care for minors, a measure to require more reporting from abortion providers and what she called a “vague” bill making it a crime to coerce someone into having an abortion.Rahjes was not surprised by Kelly's veto of the three medical-related bills.&nbsp;"It's not the first time she has vetoed something similar, and they're likely to come up again," Rahjes said.Kelly also vetoed a bill allowing sugaring hair removal performed by a non-licensed cosmetician or aesthetician. Rep. Barb Wasinger, R-Hays, championed the change on behalf of a young Hays mother.&nbsp;<h2>TAX PLAN</h2>Rahjes and Sen. Rick Billinger, R-Goodland, 40th District, are both unsure how the governor will handle the tax plan.The <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/c44fe8f3-48b8-46cb-8906-f3bcd11e352d">original tax plan</a>, based on a single rate and passed early in the session by both the House and Senate, was vetoed by the governor, who called it "reckless."After weeks of reworking and a compromise vote in the early morning of Saturday, April 6, the Legislature sent the governor a two-rate income tax package.&nbsp;"It passed, but we don't know what the governor will do," Rahjes said to the crowd at the Hays Public Library.<h2>BUDGET</h2>The 2025 budget, passed by the Legislature, is $25.1 billion.&nbsp;"We have a projected ending balance of almost $3 billion," said Billinger. "We have about $1.8 billion in the rainy day fund, and our budget came in about $700 million to $800 million under the governor's recommendation."Billinger said the budget includes funding for higher education, the j<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/81556ec8-078b-4239-8e6f-d43dd953ddf7">udicial system</a>, which was <a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/88ab6216-217f-4a3b-b1dc-1065c5afe391">hacked by cyber terrorists</a> last fall, and the Kansas Bureau of Investigation.&nbsp;<h2>MEDICAID EXPANSION</h2>Gov. Kelly has been heavily campaigning to expand Medicaid in Kansas, one of 10 states that has yet to do so.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/87dfa1c2-653b-462f-9be2-07f13b029fed">Kelly met with local officials and staff at HaysMed </a>on Thursday to hear the hospital's concerns about Medicaid.<a href="https://hayspost.com/posts/cb92c55b-9974-4932-8f0a-eb9dfee535e4">Senate hearings </a>on Medicaid expansion were conducted for the first time in four years on March 20, but Republican lawmakers brought them to a halt one day later.&nbsp;Senate President Ty Masterson and House Speaker Dan Hawkins have characterized it as a way to “expand the welfare state.”However, Medicaid was still addressed in the budget.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Medicaid reimbursements to our [rural] hospitals, our doctors and our nursing homes have been increased," Billinger said."Hopefully, this will also allow us to draw down some more federal dollars."Rajesh said, "This is for hospitals that are not HaysMed because HaysMed is a different level than the other county-owned, critical care access hospitals I represent.""Medicaid expansion probably won't happen, for now," he said.&nbsp;When legislators return on April 26, senators will have the opportunity to bring Medicaid expansion to a debate and vote in the Senate.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://lnks.gd/l/eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiJ9.eyJidWxsZXRpbl9saW5rX2lkIjoxMDMsInVyaSI6ImJwMjpjbGljayIsInVybCI6Imh0dHBzOi8vc3VuZmxvd2VyZm91bmRhdGlvbi5vcmcvc3RhdGV3aWRlLXBvbGwtb24tbWVkaWNhaWQtZXhwYW5zaW9uLyIsImJ1bGxldGluX2lkIjoiMjAyNDA0MTEuOTMyMzIyOTEifQ.sK5-JmxoHVi71HkqOOxIg5aku7ZcVRgv6Jow_guk4rM/s/1303179659/br/240591893142-l" target="_blank">most recent survey data from the Sunflower Foundation</a>&nbsp;shows almost 70% of Kansans support Medicaid expansion.&nbsp; &nbsp;"Increasing the reimbursement rates is what we can do to put money directly back into our rural hospitals and other providers. ... It's something I've advocated for for years to our federal delegation," Rahjes said.The rates are set by the state, Billinger said."It's a process that has to be approved by CMS (Centers for Medicare &amp; Medicaid Services). ... We have to work with them, and they have to approve it," Rahjes said."The House and Senate both did that. So, it's in the budget. The [higher] rates will be there. That's a start to put money back in pockets."I'm not [saying] that Medicaid expansion would not be any help at all in our small critical-access hospitals."But for long-term sustainability, what we need to do is to continue works with the feds, and us as a state, to continue to increase those reimbursement rates that go right back to the hospitals, providers, long-term care folks, and others," Rahjes said.Rahjes has opposed Medicaid expansion; Billinger supports it.<h2>K-12 FUNDING</h2>Although there were rumors about cuts, Rahjes said K-12 education is fully funded, with concerns remaining about special education."It's a huge topic here and all across Kansas. It sounds like there are plans in place that we can all somewhat agree on. I hope so," he said."My concern is the influx of cash for one year. How does that work moving forward? We're not the federal government. We can't deficit spend."<h2>BUDGET SUSTAINABILITY</h2>Both Rahjes and Billinger discussed the importance of budget sustainability despite the nearly $3 billion reserve."We've been lucky so far," Rahjes said, "that the other shoe hasn't dropped in the economy. ... We have to look at the long game in these things."Billinger said, "Our March revenues were up for the first time in five months."&nbsp;Some of the excess revenue has been allocated to eliminating the food tax more quickly, cutting the state's tax on Social Security, cutting the state's portion of property taxes and moving to a two-tier income tax.&nbsp;Billinger said he thinks the governor will pass the final version of the budget, while Rahjes said he wouldn't be surprised by a special session."We approved expansion of the Fort Hays State University nursing program ... and $75 million toward a new KU Med $500 million cancer facility, bringing everything under one roof. ..."We approved deferred maintenance funds (for higher education buildings) for the next six years," Billinger said.Also approved were an increase in the KPERS death benefit, an economic development package&nbsp;offering $17 million to support housing and retail development in northwest Kansas and $18 million to support hosting of World Cup soccer games in 2026 in the Kansas City area.<h2>UPCOMING VETO SESSION</h2>Both men will return early to Topeka to tie up their committees' loose ends before the veto session officially begins.They'll be on the road between now and then, attending many town halls and legislative coffees in northwest Kansas."My car is covered in chalk road dust. It keeps me grounded," said Rahjes. "I'm proud to represent you.""We try to do our best and to work hard for all Kansans," Billinger said. "We do look out for rural Kansas, where are hearts are."As an add-on at the close of the meeting, Billinger said he plans to run for re-election.All Kansas state legislators are up for re-election this fall.